Liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure used to alleviate creases, remove wrinkles, as well as to lift and contour facial tissues in order to achieve a rejuvenated look. This non-invasive technique ensures a shorter procedure and recovery time than a traditional facelift.
The liquid facelift procedure involves using advanced injection techniques to inject derma fillers right below the dermis (skin). A number of advanced Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved derma-fillers, also known as injectables, are available. Usually combinations of 2 or more derma-fillers are used to obtain desired results. BOTOX®, ArteFill and Radiesse are a few of the widely used injectables. Following are some of the pros and cons of a liquid facelift.
Non Invasive
Advantage: The primary difference and possibly the best advantage that the liquid facelift procedure has over conventional facelift techniques is that it negates the need for incisions or any invasive surgery. Normally, the procedure is carried out without the use of any anesthetic, which further reduces the risk if you have reservations about surgery.
Disadvantage: On the other hand, there is a highly rare risk of accidentally puncturing a blood vessel, potentially causing an embolism or tissue death (necrosis).
Time Factor
Advantage: The entire procedure does not exceed 2 hours once the preliminaries such as the assessment of the face, analysis of the skin type (laxity, collagen deterioration) and doctor/patient agreement on the expectations are completed. This also means that there are no scars, and you can resume normal activity in usually 1-2 days depending upon the extent of the procedure.
Disadvantage: The flip-side to the liquid facelift is that since the injectables used are absorbed by the body over a period of time, regular touch ups will be required to maintain the obtained results.
Cost Factor
Advantage: Liquid facelift is comparatively cost effective if it is to be done single time.
Disadvantage: Although a liquid facelift may seem highly lucrative, and which it is initially, it is important to remember that depending upon the target area and the derma-filler used, regular touch-ups are required to maintain the rejuvenated look. The effect of derma-fillers last for an average of 6 months to a year since they are absorbed by the body in due course of time. Thus, if you consider the cost of subsequent touch-up visits, the cost of liquid facelifts would eventually exceed that of the traditional facelifts.
Other Advantages
Liquid facelifts usually give results that leave the face looking naturally rejuvenated. This is because the skin is not cut or pulled tight, but usually plumped and volumized, which renders the features and skin a more naturally youthful look.
Other Disadvantages
Liquid facelifts are relatively new and have a short track record. There are only few reported serious complications, which range from specific allergic reactions to pain, swelling, itching, tenderness, bruising and line or visible bumps under the skin. Long term complications and side effects are yet to be studied and researched.
